In Loving Memory of John Taylor Mattson

**August 21, 1951 – November 2, 2026**

John Taylor Mattson, 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 2, 2026, at UNC Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center of Apex, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 21, 1951, in Dobbs Ferry, New York, John lived a life grounded in faith, devoted to his family, and marked by generosity and love for others.

John attended Emmaus University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Beth Shelor. The two were married on July 20, 1974, in Nashville, Tennessee, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned more than five decades.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family fiercely and was incredibly proud of his children and the lives they built. His greatest joys were found in the people he loved and the family that grew around him. He leaves behind a legacy of 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with a fourth on the way.

Throughout his career, John worked as a line mechanic for several pharmaceutical companies, retiring from bioMérieux. He was a hardworking and generous man who was always willing to give of himself to help others.

His faith was the foundation of his life. Before moving to Pittsboro Christian Village, John attended Northgate Chapel in Durham, where he faithfully led the congregational singing each week. He also served as an AWANA leader, sharing his love of Christ and helping guide young hearts in their faith. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived, served, and loved those around him.

In his quieter moments, John enjoyed working crossword puzzles and Sudoku, watching Hallmark movies, and getting lost in a good Christian novel. These simple pleasures brought him joy, but nothing compared to the happiness he found in time spent with his family.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Beth Mattson; his five children, Beth (David) Knott, John (Laura) Mattson, Rebecca Mattson, Michael (Katelin) Mattson, and Heather Mattson; 14 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, with another eagerly anticipated. He is also survived by his siblings, Don (Cristina) Mattson, Grace Mattson, and Jim (Grace) Mattson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Carlotta Taylor Mattson and Johan Alfred Mattson.

John's life was a testament to the importance of faith, family, generosity, and love. While his family will deeply miss his presence, they find comfort in knowing that his battle is over and he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

As Scripture reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:7:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Chapel at Pittsboro Christian Village, 1825 East Street, Pittsboro, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in John's honor to the Benevolent Fund at Pittsboro Christian Village (https://donorbox.org/pittsboro-christian-village ) Bethel Campground (https://www.bethelbiblecamp.net/ ) or to Emmaus University (https://www.emmaus.edu/partner)

Though he will be missed beyond words, the love he gave, the faith he lived, and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. Until we meet again.